Otherwise this morning’s cycle you will follow the route through the villages of Beauly, Muir of Ord and Contin. Walk in the footsteps of Roman legions following roads they laid out and explore Hadrian’s wall, the ancient barrier erected to keep out the marauding scots almost 2000 years ago. A truly unique Scottish cycling experience, our 7 day North Coast 500 is incredible. Today you’ll drive through the rest of the North West Highlands Geopark so it … However, as the going is slower in some parts than others, we’ve tried to balance this itinerary so you get fairly similar amounts of driving time each day. You will cover approximately 40 miles this afternoon, take a rest from the pedals and soak up the scenery in Achnasheen with a picnic. It’s the Most Beautiful Drive on Earth! You will be cycling just over 500 miles taking in 32000 feet of climbing following the North Coast 500 route with a small group of 6-8 riders of similar ability alongside our experienced ride guide and crew whilst taking in Scotlands most stunning scenery. Visit the home of the Tomintoul Glenlivet whisky, the Talisker distillery (founded in 1830 and still going strong) John O’Groats and the hotel where Drambuie was invented. And we’ve been to a lot of places. The previous PB was 270 miles. How about a Self Guided version of this tour? Due to massive demand for this tour we will be running it 5 times in 2021. Riding the North Coast 500 (NC500) by motorcycle is a must for anyone touring Scotland, or indeed the UK. Alternatively, Sanachan Bunkhouse is located at the foot of the Bealach na ba- the perfect pit stop for a group. Get inspired for your next cycling adventure! We will be following the official NC500 route as far as Melvich but for a number of safety reasons have chosen not to continue with the official route past this point as it takes us on the very busy A9 dual carriageway. Thanks! On the Classic trip we tackle the 500mi/800km route over 10 saddle days. Experience the unique scenery of the west coast from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks. - See 703 traveler reviews, 807 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. View Itinerary. Ride the Peak District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Cairngorms National Park, the Trossachs National Park and the Lake District National Park. This slightly alternative North Coast 500 was made in collaboration with the people behind the official driving route, to make an official NC500 Cycle Route. Scotland is beautiful, historic and extremely hospitable. Day 3 Heading west on the The North Coast 500 again, you then turn south and follow the scenic ‘West Coast Drive’ to the beautiful Isle of Skye. 12/09/23 – 22/09/23. “This was a truly wonderful trip – fun, relaxing, physically challenging, and beautiful. 04/09/2021 – 13/09/2021. Itineraries are based on main seasonality opening times from March to September – remember to pre book meals/activities/tours. 5 days on the North Coast 500 will give you a good amount of time to see many of the sights along the way. Meet like-minded cyclists before you make your way along the North Coast 500! Carron Restauant – a family run restaurant near Strathcarron (slightly of the main route). A few short hills will be encountered. Ride the Great Glen, the banks of Loch Lomond, the North Coast 500, and the infamous ‘Cat and Fiddle’ road in the peak district. In May 2017 Mikaela Toczek cycled the North Coast 500, also known as Scotland's Route 66. This blog will hopefully give any potential cyclists an insight into what to bring and how to prepare! Ride this iconic coastal road, a route that has been named as one of the top 6 coastal road trips in the world. 13/09/22 – 23/09/22 It was four years since my last visit to Scotland, and I ended up returning in a most unexpected way.A few months ago I’d never even heard of the North Coast 500; now I’ve only gone and cycled it.. Paul Easto, founder of Wilderness Scotland, said: “We’re excited to partner with North Coast 500 to offer this new and inspiring range of guided cycle tours. North Coast 500 cycle tour, a unique experience. In 1988, The Proclaimers penned Scotland’s alternative national anthem: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). and of course – The Proclaimers (500 miles…) — The North Coast 500 is one the UK’s most scenic road trips so you don’t want to forget your camera and an extra battery. Starting your NC500 adventure: Rather than take the main NC500 driving route – you may wish to take the head to Contin via the Sustrans National Cycle Route (more info here). You may wish to stop at the Coul House Hotel for a mid-morning coffee break before continuing on along the route or stock up on some nutritious snacks for lunch at a village store along route. Spend 11 days exploring the magical scenery of Scotland, the famous NC500, the glorious isle of Skye and the National parks of North England. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to route 66 and one of the most beautiful coastal touring routes in the world (well, we think so, anyway!). The North Coast 500 or NC500 was created in 2015 by North Highland Initiative in an effort to develop sustainable economic growth across the North Highlands. Can’t make the dates? Explore Day. Experience Scotland's beautiful North Coast in this 5 day epic adventure by bike. This itinerary has been calculated based on around 65 miles cycling per day, slightly more some days and considerably less on others. Full kit and packing lists are supplied and we are happy to offer advice on packing for any of the trips. The trail passes castle ruins, endless beaches, mountain ranges and natural wonders like the 'Smoo Cave', a mystical limestone sea cave, which displays a spectacular cascading waterfall in wet weather. Road trip Scotland's answer to Route 66 with this comprehensive NC500 travel guide. Another monster blog post, so make yourselves a nice cup of tea and strap yourselves in.. Continuing this spectacular coastal ride you pass castles and ride narrow causeways en route to your hotel in Durness. If you have never toured in Scotland you have been missing out. The perfect trip for any major golfing fan! Sorry but full itineraries are only available to North Coast 500 members. Come and join us on our Northern Coastal 500 and Scottish Highlands motorcycle tour. Seven nights; eight days of cycling on quiet, single-track paved roads along the new North Coast 500 route from Strathcarron to Inverness via John O’ Groats. 14/09/21 – 24/09/21 In August 2016 four of us tackled the NC500 as a rehearsal for our round the world cycle trip. The North Coast 500 (NC500) our answer to Route 66, is a designated ‘tourist route’ using existing roads around the Northern Highlands. Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! Sounds like the perfect cycling tour? The North Coast 500 snakes its way through some of the most incredible places. Three National parks on the agenda today. We have designed this itinerary to incorporate activities and attractions along the route – not as a non stop cycle route. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. A taste of how rugged and deserted Scotland can be today as you ride a coastal circuit of the Isle of Skye. Of course, we run a 10 day Ireland trip that finishes the day before this trip starts and these are designed to be done back to back, click here for more info. We cross into Scotland and cruise to the capital city Edinburgh, where we have a day off to explore this ancient capital. [Free] North Coast 500 itinerary and tips created by a Scot. The route starts and finishes in Inverness. Say farewell to the rest of touring buddies and depart for home. Fully supported with experienced ride guide and support car - come join us on our next NC500 Cycling Challenge. Save money with a Clan Membership for up to 4 people. The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross … This ride visits some of the Outlander TV show/book sites. It is a Country with rugged landscapes that will see you riding the hills and glens, past soaring mountains and deep lochs, and experiencing the awesome route that is the ‘North Coast 500’. The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch. Route Overview The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. Visit the battlefield at Culloden where the Jacobite uprising of 1745-46 was brought to a bloody end by the duke of Cumberland. North Coast 500 from North Coast 500 on Vimeo. Cycling adventure of the week: Scotland’s North Coast 500. Become a member to unlock itineraries. Sustainability Then the North Coast 500 is for you! How about a Self Guided version of this tour. If you are staying in hostels and carrying expensive electronics, you may want to consider investing in a PacSafe net US / UK. The brilliant route around Scotland's north coast by touring bike over 10 days in July 2019. North Coast 500 Cycling Tours. From here we hop onto the famous North Coast 500 route heading to the most northerly point in the UK, where you stop off at the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. We follow the spectacular NC500 around the top of Scotland and down the west coast to the Isle of Skye to spend the day exploring the rugged landscape of the island with its beautiful coastal roads, picturesque fishing villages and jagged Cuillin mountain range. 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